Gov't aims to gain GDP growth rate of 9% in rest months

During the two-day meeting, the Government listened to the report made by Minister, Head of the Government Office Đoàn Mạnh Giao on the Government's direction work in the first six months of 2007 and the agenda for the last months and another report on administrative reforms conducted by the Government Office by dealing with enterprises' petitions on administrative procedures. The Government also heard the report by the Ministry of Planning and Investment on socio-economic situations in the first half of the year and major solutions for the second half; the report by the Ministry of Trade on domestic markets, import and export; the report by the Ministry of Finance on budget collection and expenditure; the report by the Ministry of Internal Affairs on administrative reforms; and the report by the Government General Inspectorate on anti-corruption in early 2007.

According to the reports, the GDP growth rate was 7.87 percent in the first six months  of 2007 (the highest compared to the same period in the past five years). The Government and the PM drastically directed ministries, sectors and local authorities to realize plans and budget estimates for 2007 as well as major tasks, speeding up socio-economic development.

The Government has also directed the fruitful solution of unexpected and sensitive problems, including the fight against drought, epidemics, natural calamities. Administrative reforms, anti-corruption, thrift practice were also urged by the PM.

The Government and the PM have paid a great attention to building institutions. Up to June 30, the Government, PM and Deputy PMs issued 1,852 documents of all kinds, including 32 resolutions, 112 decrees, 93 decisions, 16 instructions, 780 special decisions, and 797 administrative documents.

In information work, the PM has directed the Government Website to timely provide accurate, open and transparent information of the Government's performance and the country's great events to all walks of life. The Government Website proved to be an effective information organ of the Government, meeting people's and State agencies' demands in the cause of national development. 

Major tasks in the second half of 2007

Concluding the meeting, PM Nguyễn Tấn Dũng emphasized that to obtain the GDP growth rate of 8.5 percent in 2007 as set by the Government, the rate must be 9 percent in the last six months. This requires great efforts of people and businesses as well as drastic guidance from the Government and local authorities.

The PM urged to promote agriculture, forestry and aquaculture while tightening epidemic control, especially against bird flu. 

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development was ordered to direct northern provinces in thoroughly preparing the next crop; planning the management of protective forests, special-usage forests, and economic forests as well as encouraging people to protect forests and raise cattle in the forests. The PM asked ministries, sectors and local authorities to enhance the flood prevention by fortifying and protecting dykes and reservoirs.

The Ministry of Finance was entrusted to collaborate with provincial People's Committees in promptly rechecking fees and charges paid by farmers and abrogating improper ones to minimize farmers' contributions.

It is necessary to encourage small and medium enterprises; develop competitive industries and potential services such as post and telecommunication, tourism, auditing, consulting, labor export.

To reduce trade gap, the PM urged the Ministry of Trade to propose solutions to accelerate export. The Ministries of Trade, Finance and the State Bank were required to maintain macroeconomic balance; control markets, prices, and goods (especially primary commodities for production and daily life); and keep price increase lower than economic growth rate. The Ministries of Health, Education-Training, Labor, War Invalids and  Social Affairs were ordered to deal with urgent social issues like bird flu control; food hygiene and safety; job generation; organization of university entrance contests; and traffic accident control.

For administrative reforms, thrift practice, anti-corruption and anti-prodigality, the PM requested ministries, sectors and local authorities to simplify administrative formalities and get rid of unnecessary procedures, facilitating new enterprises' accession to the market. Consistent measures should be taken to fight against corruption and prodigality.

During the meeting, the Cabinet also considered and discussed the draft decree instructing the implementation of some articles of the Law on Youth; the Government's draft resolution readjusting some policies on the sale of State-owned houses under Decree 61/CP dated on July 5, 1994 and rent price of State-owned houses which are not rebuilt or restored; and the bill on the compulsory purchase and requisition for properties from individuals and organizations./. 

By Xuân Hồng